After seven movies that established Peter Parker’s place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is a much-needed reset — stepping away from the convoluted multiverse world-building to strip the character back to the basics of what has always made this web-slinging hero so beloved.
It has been four years since the world forgot who Peter Parker (Tom Holland) was because of Doctor Strange’s (Benedict Cumberbatch, who does not appear in the film) spell to prevent a multiverse catastrophe. The spell allows Spider-Man to continue operating anonymously, but his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) and girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) no longer remember him. Forced to watch them from afar to keep them safe, and without the constant presence of his late Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) to remind him to be his best, Peter’s self-imposed isolation only deepens his loneliness.
Spider-Man faces two new threats: a mysterious superpowered individual (Sadie Sink) who can possess anyone at will, and Peter himself as his mutating arachnid DNA slowly begins to overtake his human DNA.
In typical MCU fashion, Peter turns to other heroes for help. Bruce Banner, a.k.a. the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), may hold the key to stopping Peter’s dangerous transformation. Yelena Belova, a.k.a. Black Widow (Florence Pugh), possesses information Peter desperately needs, while Frank Castle, a.k.a. the Punisher (Jon Bernthal), becomes a reluctant ally whose violent methods constantly clash with Spider-Man’s moral code.
Away from the “big potato stuff” that the New Avengers have to deal with, as Yelena puts it, the stakes here are refreshingly grounded and personal, allowing the film to focus on Peter’s psyche. Scarred by years of trauma, he is no longer the bright-eyed teenager audiences first met.
But that does not make this version of Peter cynical. Rather, he is more mature as he rediscovers his purpose both as Peter Parker and Spider-Man, now as a young adult. His journey feels especially relatable to audiences who have watched the character grow since his debut in “Captain America: Civil War” a decade ago.
That evolution is reflected in Holland’s performance. Now a far more refined actor than when he first donned the suit, Holland delivers his strongest portrayal of Peter Parker yet — one that stands alongside Tobey Maguire’s beloved performance in Sam Raimi’s original “Spider-Man” trilogy while retaining the youthful wit and charm that define his version of the web-slinger.
Likewise, Zendaya gives her finest performance as MJ, matching a character who has matured without losing the qualities that make her such a compelling counterpart to Peter.
While their real-life romance-turned-marriage undoubtedly plays a role, Holland and Zendaya’s chemistry is off the charts. Their evolved characterizations elevate every scene they share. “Challengers” screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes also contributed uncredited work to the screenplay by Chris McKenna and
Erik Sommers, sharpening Peter and MJ’s interactions into something that often feels like a deeply heartfelt love story that works remarkably well.
A newcomer to the MCU, Sink’s character may divide audiences on whether she is justified in being framed as the story’s villain. Her role makes sense within the context of the film and the larger universe. It also hints at a morally grayer direction for future characters in the MCU. Sink’s layered performance demonstrates a clear understanding of her character’s motivations and will likely leave audiences eager to see where she appears next.
In his third MCU project after “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”
and the unfortunately canceled “Wonder Man” series, Destin Daniel Cretton brings the intimate filmmaking style rooted in his independent film background that greatly benefits this character-driven story.
It is the small details that reveal how thoughtfully Cretton approaches the film’s themes. One example is the end-credits montage set to Steve Lacy’s “oh yeah?” featuring the everyday people of New York. It reinforces the idea that Spider-Man’s impact extends beyond Peter Parker himself — that his heroism belongs to the city and its people just as much as it belongs to him.
Cretton also balances that intimacy with what may be the MCU’s finest display of Spider-Man action to date. The set pieces feel ripped straight from the comics, creatively making full use of Spider-Man’s agility, and his acrobatic fighting style.
Of course, it would not be an MCU movie without planting seeds for future stories. Yet unlike some recent entries in the franchise, “Brand New Day” never loses sight of its own narrative. The teases feel organic and integral to the plot rather than existing solely to set up future installments, including “Avengers: Doomsday,” which arrives this December.
With Cretton’s emotionally grounded direction, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” benefits from richly developed characterization and Holland’s career-best performance, reminding audiences that Spider-Man’s greatest strength has never been his powers, but his humanity, which allows viewers to see themselves in him.
The film’s billion-dollar box office success only reinforces how deeply beloved Spider-Man — and the man behind the mask, Peter Parker — remains among audiences around the world. Four and a half stars out of five.
| Written by Januar Junior Aguja/VAB
